LIRR strike ends as unions, MTA reach deal after 3-day walkout

Janno Lieber, Chair and CEO of the MTA, joined Eyewitness News to comment on the ongoing Long Island Rail Road strike, where negotiations stand, and what to expect when a deal is reached.

"I am cautiously optimistic ... we are headed in a positive direction but we have to get it finished," Lieber shared.

As for the MTA's alternate methods of transportation for LIRR commuters, Lieber said that numbers show that "folks are taking the governor's suggestion to stay home and to telework."

"Ridership has been pretty light on those (shuttle) buses," he said.

Even if the MTA and LIRR unions reach an agreement, passengers can expect a delay before services resume.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber gives an update ahead of talks resuming during the LIRR strike.

"If we can get a deal done, we can have service on the next day," Lieber estimated.

His message to frustrated customers:

"Stand by, we're trying to get the job done at the bargaining table so we can restore everything to normality. That is our priority right now."

Talks are set to resume this morning at 7:30 a.m. between LIRR workers and the MTA.

This is the third day of the strike, but the first workday.

The talks are being described as "cordial."

Anthony Johnson looks ahead as MTA management and LIRR union workers plan to resume talks.

Anthony Johnson reports.

Still, those talks won't come in time to help the Monday morning commute.

The National Mediation Board got involved along with some pressure from Governor Kathy Hochul to get the talk restarted.

The two sides, the five unions and the MTA, avoided each other on Saturday which was the first day of the strike.

The negotiations on this contract began back in 2023. The big issues are salaries and health care.

The only activity in the LIRR concourse is NJ Transit and Amtrak riders walking through, and Port Authority police. By now, railroad riders aren't coming to look for service, but they are trying to figure out what to do.

Sonia Rincon reports from Penn Station:

Sonia Rinon has more from Penn Station.

Outside Penn Station, striking railroad workers are loudly and proudly demanding the contract that has eluded them so far.

If you head downstairs, the signage makes it abundantly clear -- you can't even get a ticket for a future train. A person who works at Penn told Eyewitness News it definitely feels like we're witnessing a historic event. No service because of several unions on strike? That hasn't happened in more than 30 years.

The National Mediation Board has stepped in to the LIRR strike to try to help resume bargaining between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the striking unions.

Joe Torres has the details:

Joe Torres has the details.

The coalition of five Long Island Rail Road unions and the MTA were summoned to a meeting in Manhattan.

The federal labor agency governs labor relations for railroads and airlines.